Monthly Archives: April 2014

Microsoft has just announced the updates to their SQL Server 2014 upgrade exams 70-459 (Transition Your MCITP: Database Administrator 2008 or MCITP: DatabaseDeveloper 2008 to MCSE: Data Platform) and 70-460 (Transition Your MCITP: Business Intelligence Developer 2008 to MCSE: Business Intelligence). Effective 15 May this year, both exams will cover solutions based on both SQL Server 2012 and 2014 products. Although many of you probably have not heard about these exams, they mean a big deal to MCITP: SQL Server 2008 credential holders who would like to upgrade to MCSE: Data Platform and MCSE: Business Intelligence credentials.

Other 2 related exams – 70-457 and 70-458 – which are current upgrade to the MCSA: SQL Server 2012 credential, are staying the same for now.

For official and detailed information regarding both exams, visit the official website: Exam 70-459. Exam 70-460 – Transition Your MCITP: Business Intelligence Developer 2008 to MCSE: Business Intelligence information is available here.

Whether you have started on the path to earning your certification or are just about to begin, folks at Microsoft we recommend that you continue moving forward (and this advice is hard to disagree with!). The good news is, that for the candidates on the way to their SQL Server 2012 certifications, the exams you take now will still count towards your certification. Does this change affect your exam preparation plans?

As we continue to bring you more free training opportunities from all over the web, here’s a truly exciting one. Windows Phone developers and wannabes, this one is truly for you! And for those of you undecided as to whether or not you want to switch to developing apps for Windows Phone 8, this is a great opportunity.

Microsoft organizes a FREE building Apps for Windows Phone 8.1 Jump Start virtual session, which you will be able to join live, from the comfort of your home, for absolutely free. It will be on for 3 days: April 29-May 1, 2014, 9-5 PDT (days 1 & 2), 9-12 PDT (day 3)

The event is open to all experienced software developers with knowledge of object-oriented design. Familiarity with C# or XAML is helpful. The great news is, no prior experience with developing Windows Phone 8 apps is required.

‘ Is this a good opportunity for me?’

If you’re an app developer willing to design and build Windows Phone 8.1 apps using XAML and C#, then YES. The two-and-a-half day, demo-rich course, taught by experts who have years of experience developing (and writing about the process), focuses on how to create apps for Windows Phone 8.1 in Visual Studio and how to create universal app projects that share a high percentage of code and that target both Windows and Windows Phone.

The course will bring you tips and tricks on maximizing your app compatibility and optimizing your code. Find out about new features, and learn how to program the many new Windows Runtime APIs that are available to both Windows Store apps and to Windows Silverlight apps. You can even get code samples. Sign up now to make your apps world-ready!

To prepare for the course, download the Windows Phone SDK, which includes all the tools you need to get started. And check out the Windows Phone sessions from Build 2014.

As expected, Microsoft plans to retire all Microsoft Dynamics MCTS and MCITP certifications by December 31, 2014. Yet, it’s not only Dynamics area affected by the changes, as there are also other areas where some certification exams are about to be retired.

Before you go to the list, let us point out that the list is vast, including, for example, the coveted Windows Phone Applications exam – with all the current Windows phone popularity and hype. Does this mean Microsoft minimized its certification program? Of course not, so don’t freak out. As the technology changes and advances, it makes sense that the leading vendor makes adjustments to its certification program and revamps some things. Let’s take a look at the list, and in our next posts, we’ll cover the options of what you should do instead of these retiring exams.

If your IT work is focused on desktop solutions, you probably don’t think much about Linux. After all,the market share of this free operating system is now less than 2% in the desktop category. Yet, Linux is very strong on the server side, nearing 50% of the market. The system also leads the field of supercomputers with its 80% market share.

These numbers show that Linux knowledge is highly beneficial to those willing to boost their career in the sphere of servers and large scale enterprise solutions. These certifications are also beneficial to many IT professionals who run into some Linux operating systems alongside Windows. If you are just mapping out your IT career (oh exciting stage!), don’t underestimate Linux – you might need it in the very near future.

There is a number of options for Linux certifications, which can be combined either with each other, or with credentials that cover related fields (server certifications, for example), ensuring that you maximize your career potential. We have picked Linux certification programs from the following vendors:

Needless to say that CompTIA has an excellent track record with solid vendor-neutral certifications, often created in partnerships with relevant industry leaders. Linux+ is no exception as it is run in partnership with LPI (Linux Professional Institute).

CompTIA Linux+ is an associate-level certification, which validates the candidate’s skills and knowledge required of junior Linux administrators. This credential is also a great stepping stone to more advanced Linux certifications.

To get Linux+ certified, candidates need to pass 2 exams: Two exams are necessary to be certified: LX0-101 and LX0-102.

As CompTIA Linux+ certification is conducted in partnership with LPI, candidates may choose to have their CompTIA results to be forwarded to the Linux Professional Institute. Certification in CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI, enables candidates to become certified in LPIC-1 as well, enabling further participation in the LPI program if the candidate chooses to take this step.

LPIC-2 (Advanced Level Linux Certification): Prerequisites include wither LPIC-1 or Linux+. This certification also includes 2 exams which cover significant Linux skills and topics, including the kernel, system startup, file system and devices, advanced storage administration, network configuration, system maintenance, and DNS as well as web services, file sharing, network client management, e-mail services, system security and troubleshooting.

LPIC-3 (Senior Level Linux Certification): Prerequisite: LPIC-2, where any single exam in the 300 series qualifies a person for Level 3 certification. To obtain this advanced Linux credential, candidates need to pass 3 exams.

Red Hat Linux certifications are a top choice for candidates interested in a platform-focused approach to Linux. These Linux certifications are a natural choice to those who already hold other Red Hat credentials –or are confident of their career with companies using Red Hat technologies. Red Hat Linux Certification Path also includes 3 levels.

Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE): validates the skills and knowledge necessary to work as a senior level Linux system administrator. Topics covered include advanced IP routing and services, managing runtime kernel behavior, working with iSCSI, automating maintenance tasks with shell scripts, and working with networking services for Web, FTP, NFS, SMB, SMTP, SSH and more. Holding a valid RHSCA is a prerequisite for the RHCE.

Although Oracle Corporation has a long history with UNIX (since acquiring Sun Microsystems), today the vendor focuses its certifications on Linux, leaving the UNIX roots behind. Oracle Linux credential would be most appealing to IT professionals already working with Oracle solutions. There are 2 credentials: OCA (Oracle Certified Associate), Oracle Linux 5 and 6 System Administration and OCP (Oracle Certified Professional), Oracle Linux 6 Advanced System Administrator. The credentials require one exam each.

So, your choice of Linux certification path and approach depends on your career goals and needs. If you’re a beginner, we recommend that you start with CompTIA Linux+ certification for an introduction to the system and immediate CV boost, enough until you figure out where you want to do next.

25% off is a serious deal! All you need to do is put in the promo code APRILSPECIAL at the checkout page. This means you get better deal for our Premium files – separately or as Unlimited Access offer.

But wait… ExamCollection is a FREE VCE community! Why would I pay for something??? – we bet this is what you’re thinking right now!

Let’s take a closer look… ExamCollection is a free platform where users can post their VCE files. While this is a great way to get exam info, some of these user-uploaded vce files can be misleading, or incorrect. This is why we started double checking, editing and confirming some VCEs with industry experts, and separated these ExamCollection approved files into the Premium VCE files. Basically, we vouch for these VCEs. Whether you opt for one premium file that you need to your exam, or purchase an unlimited VCE membership, you get the confidence of purchasing high quality materials.

This April, HP has launched a number of certifications. Besides HP ATP – Server Solutions V1, the vendor released a new Sales credential – DesignJet Large Format Printing [2014]. Some of HP certification regulars probably remember this title – we saw it back in 2012 and 2013. This year, it has been updated again.

HP Sales Certified – DesignJet Large Format Printing [2014] credential validates the knowledge and competency needed to sell HP Designjet Large Format Printing solutions to customers. Passing the related exam and obtaining this credential means that the candidate has the knowledge of the complete Designjet T-Series and Z-Series portfolio. This certification covers product positioning, target markets, key values of each printer and product benefits.

Having acquired this certification, the sales professional should be able to grow their business by recommending HP Designjet Large Format Printing solutions within their customers’ environment. While the certification does not have any prerequisites and is open for everyone, it primarily targets

Typical candidates for this certification are sales professionals seeking to increase their knowledge of HP Designjet Large Format Printing Solutions.

Are you a holder of one of the following HP certifications? If you already hold HP ATP – Rack and Tower Server Solutions Integrator V8.1, HP ATP – BladeSystem Solutions Integrator V8.1, HP ATP – Server Administrator V8, HP ATP – Rack and Tower Server Solutions Support V8 (inactive) or HP ATP – BladeSystem Solutions Support V8 (inactive) – you’ll be delighted to know that now HP also awards you its new HP ATP – Server Solutions V1 certification, as announced on the company’s website.

Introduced early this month, HP ATP – Server Solutions V1 is a professional level certification thatvalidates candidates’ foundational knowledge of the latest HP server innovations. It verifies the ability to contribute to the design, deployment, administration and management of HP ProLiant and BladeSystem solutions in a converged infrastructure environment.

By putting this credential on your CV (you can either take the exam with no prerequisites, or get your certificate straight away if you hold related certifications mentioned above), you demonstrate that you have a foundational knowledge of the HP server functional architecture including management (such as HP OneView, Onboard Administrator and iLO Management Engine), power and cooling. The credential validates your ability to support server maintenance, management and proactive optimization. The credential will also demonstrate that you have the foundational server knowledge required to support design and intelligent provisioning activities in a converged infrastructure environment.

This certification is ideal for technical professionals who plan, install, configure, use and troubleshoot a server deployment and management environment.

To achieve the credential, candidates need to pass one exam: HP0-S40 Building HP Server Solution. This exam assesses whether you have the knowledge and skills that a Cloud Architect requires on the job. Therefore, many test items present a scenario, which outlines a particular environment or problem. Click here for a full HP0-S40 study guide.

If you have ever looked into taking computerized certification exams or googled any education products, chances are that you have come across the VCE file format. While we all know what PDF and other commonly used file formats are, the VCE leaves many of us frustrated. Let’s take a closer look as you might find this file format helpful – either for exam preparation, or general learning process in any area (middle school and high school students included).

What is VCE?

VCE stands for Virtual Certification Exam file and is associated with Visual CertExam Software. VCE is the most popular tool for creating, opening and practicing certification tests online. While it had been created with IT certification exams in mind, it can be used for other subjects no less efficiently.

The VCE’s main advantage is that it allows to create and experience the exam environment, identical to what candidates face during their actual exams, on your computer or mobile device. So all VCE files you may come across online are interactive exam/test files.

The VCE provides users with a fully interactive format, where they can choose keys to exam queries, and test their skills with various query types. This is a huge advantage compared to using static PDF or doc files. So, basically, any PDF with test queries too boring to get through can be turned into an interactive exam.

So basically VCE files are an interactive version of your usual exam prep. They make preparation process more convenient and dynamic, also helping you get used to the idea of interactive exams. This is especially valuable if you haven’t taken computerized exams for some time (or ever).

How can I use the VCE?

As mentioned earlier, the software was created with IT exams in mind. Yet, you do not have to be a Microsoft or Cisco candidate to benefit from it. It’s enough to say that VCE allows to embed images in the exam queries. This way, it can be beneficial to everyone: from middle school students preparing for their exams to designers, for example.

As a testing software, the VCE is also used by companies and corporations to test the expertise of their employees, as well as by teachers and tutors to test the knowledge of their students. Given the various features of VCE files, the possibilities are infinite.

These are some features of the VCE Software:

Create your own VCE files or open the files created by someone else.

Various query types to suit your needs / specific exam/ practice approach, including: multiple choice queries, fill in the blank queries, select and place / drag-n-drop queries, point and shoot queries (picking a point on the image), hot area queries (picking an area out of the few options given), create a tree queries, build list and reorder, drop and connect queries.

Print option – you can either print out the entire exam, or select the parts you need printed.

Importing queries from various file formats, including txt, rtf, PDF (PDF file conversion can be done with Exam Formatter, a free tool that allows for an easy file conversion. A tutorial on how to convert PDF into VCE files, which also includes some other tips and tricks, is available here).

Embedding images. The option to embed images in jpg, gif and png formats.

Maximized convenience. TheVCE software gives the option of saving the current testing session and coming back to it later. You can also save and review the testing history, go back to the queries that hadn’t been resolved correctly and more.

Versatility. The VCE software can be useful to anyone and everyone in need to test their knowledge and skills through an interactive exam platform – from middle school students and their parents to language learners to seasoned IT professionals.

Support of foreign characters. The latest version of the VCE Software supports non-English characters, so it can be used by non-English speakers, as well as by language learners to test their foreign language skills. From Spanish to Chinese, VCE enables the support of foreign characters.

Various platforms. VCE software is available for Windows, Mac OS, as well as Android and iOS phones and tablets.

Where do I get the VCE Software?

You can get the software from its developer, Avanset. The company has just released the new version of its VCE exam simulator, available for PC, Mac OS, as well as iOS and Android devices. The current version allows to open all VCE files, including those created with older versions. The software runs smoothly and allows for convenient exam preparation, which includes both playing and creating/editing VCE files. You can find more information in Avanset’s FAQ section.

We hope that this article has clarified your queries about the VCE file format, and if you are planning to take an IT certification exam, be sure to check our collection of VCE files here. Also have all your queries replied by our friendly IT community. Or post them in the comment box here.

Disclaimer. This article was written with the goal of clarifying the query our readers have about the VCE files. ExamCollection does not sell the VCE Software, nor do we have any financial interests or obligations in promoting these products.

Many of you have heard about TestKing, a British company that sells IT certification practice tests and study guides. We’ve been following them for quite a while, and the best thing about TestKing is money back guarantee. So, if you plan to take any IT certification exams any time soon, TestKing is worth taking a look at!

Today, however, we are talking about FREE stuff. TestKing has a wide array of their Android apps available for free. You can choose from demo versions of either practice exams or study guides. These demo apps give you sufficient free preview, with a full upgrade option available. Whether or not you decide to purchase an upgrade (we upgraded a few apps and have no regrets), these demo versions provide you with some valuable insights into your certification exam.

Testking offers 2 kinds of apps: Study Guides and Practice Tests. Each demo version of the study guide app contains the first chapter of a comprehensive study guide for respected exam. Demo apps with practice exams contact the first 10 queries of every exam. This includes various query types specific to each vendor and exam, queries with images (you can zoom-in and do everything you need for your convenience).

Having spent time testing the apps, we didn’t run into any problems, all of them are smooth and stable, with no crushes or bugs we all try to avoid.

Last month, VMware introduced its new recertification policy. So, if you are a VMware certification holder, chances are that you’ll have to recertify before 10 March 2015 to keep your credential current.

This policy covers for VCP certification. To recertify, VMware Certified Professional (VCP) holders must pass any VCP or higher-level exam within two years of earning their most recent VCP certification.

Until recently, VMware was one of the few IT certification providers who did not require their holders to recertify their skills. This may be convenient for lazy holders, but we all know that maintaining currency in the expertise is important, and employers are looking for candidates with the most updated credentials. And if your skills are not current, your certification loses value. The technical and business communities expect that VMware certified professionals are current on the latest technologies and capable of implementing VMware products with the highest level of skill. To ensure that all certification holders meet these expectations, VMware is instituting a recertification policy.

What exactly do I need to recertify?
All VCP level certifications — VCP-DCV, VCP-Cloud, VCP-Desktop — that were earned prior to March 10, 2013 must be recertified. Any VCP2, VCP3, VCP4, or VCP5 certification can be recertified during this period by simply taking a current VCP or VCAP exam. Anyone holding a VCP certification awarded prior to March 10, 2013 has until March 10, 2015 to recertify.

How can is recertify? What’s the process?

VMware gives you the following recertification options:

You can take the current exam for your existing VCP certification solution track. For example, if you are a VCP3, you could take the current VCP5-Data Center Virtualization (VCP5-DCV) exam.

Earn a new VCP certification in a different solution track. For example, if you are a VCP-Cloud, you could recertify by earning VCP5-Desktop (VCP5-DT) certification.

Advance to the next level by earning a VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP) certification. For example, if you are a VCP5-DCV you could earn VCAP5-DCA certification.

Recertification Process

You will be notified that your certification is due to expire via your registered email address. New VMware transcripts also show the date the certification is valid.

To recertify, you must pass any VCP or higher-level exam within two years of earning your most recent VCP certification.

Failure to recertify by the required date will result in revocation of your certification.

If your certification is revoked, you will lose access to the VCP portal and your right to market yourself as certified for that certification, which includes the use of VMware certification logos. Also, your transcript will reflect that your certification is no longer valid.

If you would like to re-earn a certification for which you have been decertified, you must satisfy the same prerequisites as any candidate attempting to earn that certification for the first time.

So, if you are a VCP, you now have yet another reason to stay up to date with industry trends, and keep your expertise current. We all know it’s sure to pay off ;).